tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31509862983311310512018-12-18T01:32:04.787-08:00Hirondelle RustiqueLife, Art &amp; Home DecorHirondelleRustiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279653864268494179noreply@blogger.comBlogger148125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3150986298331131051.post-42652081338464228262014-04-15T16:58:00.000-07:002014-04-15T23:21:24.814-07:00Kitchen Countertop UpdateHooooooooo boy, I'm terrible at updating this ol' blog, but I'm excited to say that tomorrow we get countertops in our kitchen! We've been without them for roughly 5 months. Yep, 5. Yikes.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9-Hijv6ATdU/U02_ziU9e6I/AAAAAAAAD6s/i_cbkp94JZA/s1600/IMG_2162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9-Hijv6ATdU/U02_ziU9e6I/AAAAAAAAD6s/i_cbkp94JZA/s1600/IMG_2162.JPG" height="454" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;All prepped and ready</div><br />Back in November we were POSITIVE we wanted to go with concrete countertops (diy). But after ripping off our old granite tile countertops and buying the concrete supplies (Ardex feather finish), we stumbled on a blog that caused us to hit the brakes. That blog was 412 Reasons to Love, and her post about <a href="http://412love.wordpress.com/tag/ardex-feather-finish/" target="_blank">her diy concrete countertops</a> had me questioning just how wonderful the Ardex feather finish was.<br /><br />I've seen several bloggers post about their diy concrete countertops using that material, so I decided to email some of them and ask how it has held up for them. I heard back from Audrey of Oh So Lovely, who did an absolutely <a href="http://ohsolovelyblog.blogspot.com/p/our-500-diy-kitchen-remodel.html" target="_blank">amazing kitchen remodel</a> and used the concrete on some of her countertops. She mentioned they had a few small chips/scratches over time that were easily fixed, but otherwise the countertops have held up fine. I was relieved to hear there was still hope, but after Neal and I had a long chat about the overhang we wanted to add and how any flexing might cause cracks etc, and how we would eventually like to rent out the condo and not have to deal with countertop issues and renters, we decided to go with countertops that were ultra low maintenance, a.k.a. Caesarstone. I *think* it will be the right move. Only time will tell!HirondelleRustiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279653864268494179noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3150986298331131051.post-10145282637455924552014-01-11T17:28:00.001-08:002014-05-30T12:42:44.537-07:00Updates<div style="text-align: justify;">I'm way overdue for giving you guys an update on the condo, so today I'm sharing three big ones: flooring, a new couch and the start of our dining table.</div><br><div style="text-align: justify;">Here are some before and after shots. First up is flooring (the rooms are far from being finished!)</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2kjstjAw6j0/UtGcjvAMNGI/AAAAAAAAD4o/exhBSeOY96k/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2kjstjAw6j0/UtGcjvAMNGI/AAAAAAAAD4o/exhBSeOY96k/s1600/1.jpg" height="426" width="640"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P3TcNVwI_P4/UtGckYI4zKI/AAAAAAAAD5I/niR6EDUU9wc/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P3TcNVwI_P4/UtGckYI4zKI/AAAAAAAAD5I/niR6EDUU9wc/s1600/2.jpg" height="452" width="640"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zJZBEdWMTNM/UtGckfcVC4I/AAAAAAAAD5g/Rzl8phEO7yg/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zJZBEdWMTNM/UtGckfcVC4I/AAAAAAAAD5g/Rzl8phEO7yg/s1600/3.jpg" height="640" width="470"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7VClrCu6SMs/UtGcklrJegI/AAAAAAAAD5Y/8w7JqEdSxJg/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7VClrCu6SMs/UtGcklrJegI/AAAAAAAAD5Y/8w7JqEdSxJg/s1600/4.jpg" height="640" width="426"></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ta da! We used bamboo hardwoods from Lumber Liquidators and we did the installation ourselves (a huge thanks to my parents for lending a hand!) I love how the floors have warmed up the look of the condo.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1oMjVqLItWk/UtGclBVFBnI/AAAAAAAAD5Q/ScO9CLK9Gkw/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1oMjVqLItWk/UtGclBVFBnI/AAAAAAAAD5Q/ScO9CLK9Gkw/s1600/5.jpg" height="640" width="456"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2yCHCaobi8I/UtGclSvi11I/AAAAAAAAD5U/xClZCefDA-8/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2yCHCaobi8I/UtGclSvi11I/AAAAAAAAD5U/xClZCefDA-8/s1600/6.jpg" height="640" width="472"></a></div><br><div style="text-align: justify;">I had a makeshift art gallery wall up in the hallway before. I took it down<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">&nbsp;when we were working, but now I'm not sure if I want it back up. I'm thinking something more simple, like two large modern frames, would suit the space better. I'm on the lookout for a new farmhouse/industrial &nbsp;style hallway light too.</span></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lZbsBDAZOrs/UtGclmvZVVI/AAAAAAAAD50/xfdXK4yaMAc/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lZbsBDAZOrs/UtGclmvZVVI/AAAAAAAAD50/xfdXK4yaMAc/s1600/7.jpg" height="640" width="426"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zTutPlCEesA/UtGclmTAjZI/AAAAAAAAD5w/KcvciQBYn2M/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zTutPlCEesA/UtGclmTAjZI/AAAAAAAAD5w/KcvciQBYn2M/s1600/8.jpg" height="640" width="426"></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Notice the ultra-chic fish rug over the entrance to the bathroom door? It was saving our feet from stepping on carpet tacks:</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ceci9Uwk--U/UtGcl3teAQI/AAAAAAAAD5s/4viPLl1iGpo/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ceci9Uwk--U/UtGcl3teAQI/AAAAAAAAD5s/4viPLl1iGpo/s1600/9.jpg" height="408" width="640"></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I can't tell you how many times I forgot they were there and ended up dancing around in pain.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-etq62SWqsXM/UtGcjlTfDCI/AAAAAAAAD4k/30kXtQNfMv8/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-etq62SWqsXM/UtGcjlTfDCI/AAAAAAAAD4k/30kXtQNfMv8/s1600/10.jpg" height="460" width="640"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q7vxp5FRX6k/UtGcjktghfI/AAAAAAAAD4s/HKMY4wfVvs4/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q7vxp5FRX6k/UtGcjktghfI/AAAAAAAAD4s/HKMY4wfVvs4/s1600/11.jpg" height="640" width="426"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SyMnUgJeRGc/UtGckA6EfHI/AAAAAAAAD40/O1qJF70y3Ic/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SyMnUgJeRGc/UtGckA6EfHI/AAAAAAAAD40/O1qJF70y3Ic/s1600/12.jpg" height="640" width="426"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Here is a glimpse of the new dining table base (the cardboard top was there to give me an idea for spacing). Since the "dining room" is on the small side, I really wanted a table with a rounded top to make getting in and out of the space easier (no running into table corners!) I found this Simon X Table Base table base at Pier 1 Imports, and it was only $120, on sale for $99. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Pier 1 also carries a table top, but it is made of glass, which is something I am not very fond of for tables, so we're now on the hunt! I have some vintage dining chairs that I'll be fixing up and re-upholstering. I'm excited to see this room finally come together!&nbsp;</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NP4oHyzkcak/UtGcm3Y8XTI/AAAAAAAAD6A/vwV3MJqCqSI/s1600/DSC02453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NP4oHyzkcak/UtGcm3Y8XTI/AAAAAAAAD6A/vwV3MJqCqSI/s1600/DSC02453.jpg" height="640" width="426"></a></div><br><div style="text-align: justify;">Now for the sofa. I'll take some better shots in the future, I promise, but it's the Davis Sectional from Crate &amp; Barrel. This was a major splurge for us, and I still feel a bit insane for spending so much on a single piece of furniture, so this sofa had better hold up! So far, I like it and spend more time than I care to admit cozied up in the corner playing video games or looking at things on Pinterest. I do think it looks a bit out of place in the room right now, but the room is far from being done. </div><br><div style="text-align: justify;">For future living room changes, we plan on switching out the coffee table for something with more storage, and we'd like to get some new fun pillows for the sofa (goodbye gold!) As for the paint swatches, I'm making it a goal to decide on a color in a month's time. Those swatches have been on the wall for like 8 months. Shhhh.....</div><br><div style="text-align: justify;">My not-so-little-anymore rescue kitty, Tobermory, love the new sofa. He barely ever leaves it (I wish we could trade lives sometimes!)</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z60hUTRP5Ks/UtGcnM7gQyI/AAAAAAAAD6E/xcSAT72BhZM/s1600/DSC02458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z60hUTRP5Ks/UtGcnM7gQyI/AAAAAAAAD6E/xcSAT72BhZM/s1600/DSC02458.jpg" height="640" width="492"></a></div><br><div style="text-align: justify;"><span id="goog_286875791"></span><span id="goog_286875792"></span>Well there you have it! Still have a lot of work cut out for us, but I love being able to experience creative freedom with this place and learn new things about home remodeling along the way. Have a good weekend friends!</div><span id="goog_2135265691"></span><span id="goog_2135265692"></span><br><br><br>HirondelleRustiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279653864268494179noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3150986298331131051.post-77600783704963728162013-11-09T11:42:00.001-08:002013-11-09T11:42:25.085-08:00Kitchen UpdateWahoo it's the weekend! I wanted to give you all a quick update on where we're at with our kitchen so far, and then it's back to work for me.<br /><br />After much debate we decided to go with concrete countertops, so it was time to remove the old granite tile counters in preparation. Here's what we started with: <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7rJo2dfgrUw/Un6KPE9OpgI/AAAAAAAAD4Q/kVJQfgG8xkQ/s1600/DSC02240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7rJo2dfgrUw/Un6KPE9OpgI/AAAAAAAAD4Q/kVJQfgG8xkQ/s640/DSC02240.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GMU12F3yXaQ/Un6KLQnuIEI/AAAAAAAAD3w/TS4jRF2iSx0/s1600/DSC02245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GMU12F3yXaQ/Un6KLQnuIEI/AAAAAAAAD3w/TS4jRF2iSx0/s640/DSC02245.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This was the fun part. I was soooo ready to get rid of that tile! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vQNSILIkhKk/Un6KJyGLc7I/AAAAAAAAD3c/UcPy5jzf2xE/s1600/DSC02247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vQNSILIkhKk/Un6KJyGLc7I/AAAAAAAAD3c/UcPy5jzf2xE/s640/DSC02247.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">In no time we had the bar counter removed.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-imkmxhMq4wU/Un6KK_gK4JI/AAAAAAAAD3k/s1pCdA6MuPs/s1600/DSC02250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-imkmxhMq4wU/Un6KK_gK4JI/AAAAAAAAD3k/s1pCdA6MuPs/s640/DSC02250.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">My dad came up and helped move the outlets and cut down the framing to counter height.</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9z7bYF9w2Sw/Un6KLWpIBII/AAAAAAAAD3o/wXSfl40q5NY/s1600/DSC02254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9z7bYF9w2Sw/Un6KLWpIBII/AAAAAAAAD3o/wXSfl40q5NY/s640/DSC02254.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The space definitely feels more open now. Still have some tile to remove near the stove, as well as the backsplash. Side note, see the nasty carpet spots? Those are everywhere, ick! We can't wait to install the bamboo flooring!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CyJt-3FhBzk/Un6KLySFP0I/AAAAAAAAD30/Mw9zVYY0j0E/s1600/DSC02291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CyJt-3FhBzk/Un6KLySFP0I/AAAAAAAAD30/Mw9zVYY0j0E/s640/DSC02291.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;The next step was to take down all the cabinet doors and prep the kitchen for painting.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qUczqJHJREE/Un6KMV4774I/AAAAAAAAD4A/zpDilId_kiU/s1600/DSC02299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qUczqJHJREE/Un6KMV4774I/AAAAAAAAD4A/zpDilId_kiU/s640/DSC02299.jpg" width="442" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I started painting already, but I'll share progress on that at a later time since I still have a lot to do. Thanks for looking!</div><br />HirondelleRustiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279653864268494179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3150986298331131051.post-17885686319275792082013-10-12T12:35:00.000-07:002013-10-13T20:04:21.241-07:00Over-sized Dining Room ChandelierIf you follow me on Instagram (<a href="http://instagram.com/hirondellerustique#" target="_blank">@hirondellerustique</a>) you will have already seen my photo of the new over-sized chandelier we got for our dining room:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rZ7Yk-yeT0M/UlicHZNSnMI/AAAAAAAAD2w/z9B4cAxNDHI/s1600/chandy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rZ7Yk-yeT0M/UlicHZNSnMI/AAAAAAAAD2w/z9B4cAxNDHI/s640/chandy.jpg" width="636" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It's the <a href="http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1519006&amp;categoryId=search" target="_blank">8-Arm Sloane chandelier</a> from Restoration Hardware.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ceg3dbGgV2w/UliheMqrdvI/AAAAAAAAD3A/_r7qpvpIJ5U/s1600/prod1519006_F11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="624" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ceg3dbGgV2w/UliheMqrdvI/AAAAAAAAD3A/_r7qpvpIJ5U/s640/prod1519006_F11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />We bought it from someone via Craigslist for about 1/3 of the price (it's in perfect condition too!) Crazy huh? <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now for the over-sized part: as a general rule, a chandelier should be about one half the width of the dining table it will hang over. You can't really tell just how big this one is from my photo since 1) we don't even have a dining table yet (although we do have one in mind) and 2) I conveniently didn't show the rest of the room because it is a MESS with remodeling supplies. This thing is awesomely huge for the room it's in. Breaking design rules feels good!</div>HirondelleRustiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279653864268494179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3150986298331131051.post-55853683334853780332013-10-11T17:15:00.001-07:002013-10-11T17:23:41.874-07:00Kitchen Remodel: The PlansI'm still a bit behind on updating you all on what's been going on around here so let's jump right in. Back when we first moved in I mentioned we had plans for changing the kitchen.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u3d1losokwY/Ulg6jIejLvI/AAAAAAAAD08/x2apd7X4Dzc/s1600/DSC02151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u3d1losokwY/Ulg6jIejLvI/AAAAAAAAD08/x2apd7X4Dzc/s640/DSC02151.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I7cGhln3NLk/Ulg6jDphBXI/AAAAAAAAD1A/ZqyT2l1Ae0s/s1600/DSC02167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I7cGhln3NLk/Ulg6jDphBXI/AAAAAAAAD1A/ZqyT2l1Ae0s/s640/DSC02167.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V7iZpjnoDfE/UlhDUqR0luI/AAAAAAAAD1k/ZjfyFzKZI5s/s1600/DSC02311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V7iZpjnoDfE/UlhDUqR0luI/AAAAAAAAD1k/ZjfyFzKZI5s/s400/DSC02311.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>There's really nothing <i>wrong</i> with the kitchen per se, but now that we've lived here for 6 months we've definitely nailed down the things we like and don't like and solidified our initial plans. The changes we'd like to make are all about adding functionality &amp; character. Queue the to-do list:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9hImCAqIvtg/Ulg6jO0fFzI/AAAAAAAAD1U/BJbH65YSY3M/s1600/Kitchen_remodel_to_do.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9hImCAqIvtg/Ulg6jO0fFzI/AAAAAAAAD1U/BJbH65YSY3M/s640/Kitchen_remodel_to_do.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AeLlfHo5dIU/Ulg6j5lsexI/AAAAAAAAD1Y/WYZRJ1xsjGg/s1600/Kitchen_remodel_to_do2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AeLlfHo5dIU/Ulg6j5lsexI/AAAAAAAAD1Y/WYZRJ1xsjGg/s640/Kitchen_remodel_to_do2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rjEpfqiHwF0/UlhDUhHDG-I/AAAAAAAAD1w/-zc949wxjDM/s1600/Kitchen_remodel_to_do3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rjEpfqiHwF0/UlhDUhHDG-I/AAAAAAAAD1w/-zc949wxjDM/s400/Kitchen_remodel_to_do3.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Seems overwhelming, right? We started by tackling some small things first. Here's why we are doing what we're doing:<br /><br /><b>1)</b> <b>Adding trim to fill in the gap</b> - This is a total pet peeve of mine, but I hate that the cabinets don't go all the way to the ceiling. Adding trim/molding will be an easy, cheap solution and make the kitchen feel more finished.<br /><br /><b>2) Add trim</b> - We didn't even notice this for several months, but there is trim (also called a valance) on the underside of the some of the cabinets and not on others. It's a small detail, but one we'd like to add to balance out the look.<br /><br /><b>3) Install new lights</b> - Done! You can read more about those<a href="http://hirondellerustique.blogspot.com/2013/09/upgrading-our-kitchen-pendant-lights.html" target="_blank"> here.</a><br /><br /><b>4) New hardware</b> - We want to update the cabinet pulls to something a bit more modern.<br /><br /><b>5) Paint all cabinets</b> - Why would we want to paint over wood cabinets? Well...of all the cabinet color choices in the world, blonde is our least favorite (sorry blonde!) We contemplated staining them a different color, but our thoughts were dashed when we realized the cabinet frames were not actually wood but some type of melamine/laminate. I'm not sure that stain would work on melamine/laminate so paint it is!<br /><br /><b>6) Replace dead bulbs</b> - Done! While those florescent tube bulbs weren't exactly cheap ($54 to replace all of them) at least this is one easy task we can check off the list. Hooray for light!<br /><br /><b>7)&nbsp; Convert tall cabinets to pull out spice drawers</b> - The tall cabinet doors on either side of the microwave are awkward to open and since the cabinets are so narrow, it's hard to find spices when we need them. We want to convert these into pull out drawers for better organization and ease of use.<br /><br /><b>8) Lower the bar counter</b> - We decided early on that we didn't like the raised bar portion of the peninsula. It's good for hiding messes from the view of the living/dining room, but that's exactly the problem. We are always coming inside and piling stuff up on the counter, but because we can't see the messes from other areas of the condo, the messes stay put. The goal is to lower the bar down to counter height (which will open up the space more), and extend the countertop into the dining area a bit to allow for stool seating. Neal did a quick photoshop mock-up so we could get an idea of what it would look like before actually doing any work (although the outlet placements and corner angle are still being decided on).<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9pD0gcdk1ko/Ulhp0_fOKYI/AAAAAAAAD2U/3d8tOLsxfWA/s1600/CounterRemodelProposal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9pD0gcdk1ko/Ulhp0_fOKYI/AAAAAAAAD2U/3d8tOLsxfWA/s640/CounterRemodelProposal.jpg" width="528" /></a></div><b><br /></b><b>9) Redo backsplash</b> - We don't hate the backsplash, but if we lowered the bar counter we would have to redo it since the bar cuts into the tile. I think of it as an opportunity to get something more chic &amp; timeless (marble tile or subway tile perhaps?)<br /><br /><b>10) New countertops</b> - I sort of feel snooty for wanting to change this because the granite tile looks fine. It isn't cracked or falling apart or stained. BUT (there's always a but) I really, REALLY don't like living with the tile. Hate it even. The grout lines are just a pain. I would love to be able to wipe down the counters without feeling like I had to get a toothbrush out to dig food spills out of the grout. If we lowered the bar counter, the chances of finding matching granite tile for the counter extension would be pretty slim, so we've been looking into getting new countertops altogether. <br /><br /><b>11) New sink &amp; faucet</b> - We want to get an undermount sink, preferably a deeper, single bowl type so pans would actually fit inside for soaking, i.e. no more of this:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jNuDShIHESw/UliBD6i1SyI/AAAAAAAAD2g/KS55vbezxAc/s1600/DSC02251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jNuDShIHESw/UliBD6i1SyI/AAAAAAAAD2g/KS55vbezxAc/s640/DSC02251.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />We'd also like to update the faucet with something a bit more modern.<br /><br /><b>12) Hide counter clutter</b> - As you can see from the photos, we have a lot of "stuff" on our counters. If we lower the bar, all this stuff will be even more noticeable as clutter. I'd like to find homes for everything that doesn't NEED to be out. <br /><br /><b>13) Convert closet into pantry</b> - We don't have a pantry so non-perishables and other non-essential kitchen gadgets must take up precious kitchen cabinet space. Any time we make a trip to Costco we find that a lot of non-perishable food items end up sitting out because there is simply nowhere to put them. The closet currently has one shelf and a coat rack bar inside, which seems like a lot of wasted potential. We'd like to build shelving to maximize the closet's storage capabilities. We would also like to build doors that match the kitchen cabinet doors, so the closet feels like an extension of the kitchen. Simple coat hooks on a wall near the front door will replace the need to have an entire closet dedicated to just coats. <br /><br />So there you have it! If you made it through all of that, kudos to you! I'll keep you posted as we tackle this list. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />HirondelleRustiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279653864268494179noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3150986298331131051.post-45661637239108414472013-09-22T21:34:00.002-07:002013-10-11T17:31:04.762-07:00Upgrading Our Kitchen Pendant Lights<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>With so many big projects looming over our heads, we decided to take on a small one: upgrading our kitchen pendant lights. We both didn't care for the "beehive" lights we had so we set out to find something a little more industrial. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iCgmNVYXnZc/Uj_DdRmAIVI/AAAAAAAAD0o/elDf6icIE8A/s1600/before+%2526+after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iCgmNVYXnZc/Uj_DdRmAIVI/AAAAAAAAD0o/elDf6icIE8A/s640/before+%2526+after.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We were on a budget of $200 ($100 for each light). While searching the web for ideas, I came across this photo from <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/676942/Detroit-Lakes-Residence-contemporary-kitchen-minneapolis" target="_blank">Gunkelmans Interior Design via Houzz</a> and immediately fell in love with the pendant lights.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JTIKZYhc77M/Uj-SfNAxVyI/AAAAAAAADxo/0tXIlUJ7A9g/s1600/pendantlights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JTIKZYhc77M/Uj-SfNAxVyI/AAAAAAAADxo/0tXIlUJ7A9g/s640/pendantlights.jpg" width="408" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The lights are called "Clark Mini Pendants" from Wilmette Lighting. The only problem was that each light was anywhere from $261 to $308, depending on where you looked (Amazon seems to have the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wilmette-Lighting-600CLKPCZ-Clark-Pendant/dp/B003JA58O6" target="_blank">best deal on these</a>). Wayyyy over our budget. I looked around for a similar light and found<a href="http://www.nova68.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&amp;Product_Code=glasspendant" target="_blank"> this one</a> from Nova 68 for $160. Better, but still out of our price range.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kPZuYbewLBE/Uj-UypIBfCI/AAAAAAAADx0/Yz4xyezLdIQ/s1600/light.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kPZuYbewLBE/Uj-UypIBfCI/AAAAAAAADx0/Yz4xyezLdIQ/s640/light.jpg" width="337" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As luck would have it, we caught a break while shopping for other house stuff at Home Depot. This pendant was strung up at the end cap of the lighting aisle and we happened to walk by and take notice:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OO9nSrlDSOo/Uj-YU1xEPjI/AAAAAAAADyA/MwWb_vuzCsM/s1600/6d7601aa-ca15-490e-a98e-a51923cd79a0_300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OO9nSrlDSOo/Uj-YU1xEPjI/AAAAAAAADyA/MwWb_vuzCsM/s1600/6d7601aa-ca15-490e-a98e-a51923cd79a0_300.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>It's the <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Home-Decorators-Collection-1-Light-Ceiling-Clear-Glass-Cylinder-Pendant-25390-32/202786138#.Uj-X_D8v7Y8" target="_blank">Clear Glass Cylinder Pendant from Home Decorators Collection</a>. At only $80 for each light, they fit nicely in our budget and they come with super cool Edison bulbs. But guess what? The lights don't come in black. I gave Neal a look of disappointment and shrugged. "We could paint them black?" I said, almost as a joke. I was surprised when he replied with "Hey, that might just work..." So we bought two.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w2-hePJHSAU/Uj-bTID_R8I/AAAAAAAADyM/qTDmC2kSk-M/s1600/DSC02141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w2-hePJHSAU/Uj-bTID_R8I/AAAAAAAADyM/qTDmC2kSk-M/s640/DSC02141.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>Besides painting, we did a little extra modification on the new lights as well. The chords had several "wobbles" in them and we realized we would never get them to hang perfectly straight. I think the wobbly look can be pretty cool in the right space, but we wanted something a bit more clean-lined and substantial, a.k.a. a metal rod. I looked into several options but none seemed to be what we needed. Copper tubing was too heavy, pvc piping would probably look too cheap, and the metal extension rods for lighting I found online were either too short or they were the right size but were too expensive (about $25 for one rod). I'm sure there's a cheaper solution for this out there, but I finally settled on a 48" (extendable to 84") cafe curtain rod from Target for $15. The inside rod was the perfect diameter, and luckily it was a solid piece with no seam (some of their cafe rods look the same as this but do have a seam so if you ever want to do something similar be sure to check). <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jFHaTdl7JyY/Uj-kKCQUGOI/AAAAAAAADyc/sjWqFCHEWbY/s1600/DSC02139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jFHaTdl7JyY/Uj-kKCQUGOI/AAAAAAAADyc/sjWqFCHEWbY/s640/DSC02139.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />I needed to cut the rod into two equal pieces and wanted it to be even and clean so I bought a cheap junior tube cutter ($6) from Home Depot. The ends of the rod were nipped off first since they had parts inside for the curtain finials and then the rod was cut in two. Easy as pie and the tube cutter made nice, clean cuts.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-93XLAOghL_8/Uj-r7jR5tQI/AAAAAAAADys/WbkzdSjCnto/s1600/DSC02140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-93XLAOghL_8/Uj-r7jR5tQI/AAAAAAAADys/WbkzdSjCnto/s640/DSC02140.JPG" width="516" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MvSzM4fZHXU/Uj-s8Qg5F8I/AAAAAAAADy4/rQoebCVsUr4/s1600/DSC02143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MvSzM4fZHXU/Uj-s8Qg5F8I/AAAAAAAADy4/rQoebCVsUr4/s640/DSC02143.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />Now it was time for paint. I gave the lights a light sanding before painting and used a primer to make sure the paint stuck. <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Zinsser-13-oz-Cover-Stain-White-Primer-Sealer-Spray-3608/100398386#.Uj-bBz8v7Y8" target="_blank">Zinsser Cover Stain Primer</a> from Home Depot is one of my favorite primers and comes in a spray can for $6. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KSk4aOAmsoE/Uj-uifUDBHI/AAAAAAAADzE/yoZk9U8py4s/s1600/DSC02146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KSk4aOAmsoE/Uj-uifUDBHI/AAAAAAAADzE/yoZk9U8py4s/s640/DSC02146.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />I wanted to make sure the lights would have the same finish/sheen on every piece so I decided to paint the curtain rod tubes too, even though they were already black.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sI4yIo6fCqY/Uj-uw2XmxvI/AAAAAAAADzU/x9H_F1qkZYY/s1600/DSC02147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sI4yIo6fCqY/Uj-uw2XmxvI/AAAAAAAADzU/x9H_F1qkZYY/s640/DSC02147.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Each piece got two coats of primer and two coats of Rustoleum black satin spray paint (I taped off the inside parts where the light bulbs would screw in to protect them).&nbsp; Everything was going fine until the last coat of black. That's when the paint on the metal tubes decided to crackle in some spots. Ugh. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vCTRItZ9B0w/Uj-v-lGakrI/AAAAAAAADzg/-xFb8PdV4bw/s1600/DSC02149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vCTRItZ9B0w/Uj-v-lGakrI/AAAAAAAADzg/-xFb8PdV4bw/s640/DSC02149.JPG" width="629" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Centsational Girl has a <a href="http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2010/10/spray-paint-faqs/" target="_blank">really good spray paint FAQ post </a>where she talks about all the things to keep in mind while spray painting anything. She mentions seeing this undesirable crackling effect when it's either 1) too cold out for painting, 2) the surface wasn't primed, or 3) the surface was not clean. I can safely say I had the first two covered (I was painting inside since our condo complex happens to have a room-temp "hobby room") and I had obviously primed the pieces, so that leaves me with #3. I'm guessing the cause of the crackling was my own oily fingerprints from handling the pieces. Rubber gloves might be a smart option for future. I had to wait a day and let the paint dry, then sand down the tubes and start over. After I finished the last coat of paint I let the lights dry for the rest of the day. I knew we would be handling them to put them up and definitely did not want to risk messing up the paint this time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--k9-UsjJ4Do/Uj-2kt5mZ4I/AAAAAAAADzw/i4rauU1bQhw/s1600/DSC02154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--k9-UsjJ4Do/Uj-2kt5mZ4I/AAAAAAAADzw/i4rauU1bQhw/s640/DSC02154.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In the meantime we flipped the breaker and took down the old lights. Yay!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ThMgFoTEtL4/Uj-3RpNYawI/AAAAAAAADz4/pxQAJqFjSPw/s1600/DSC02156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ThMgFoTEtL4/Uj-3RpNYawI/AAAAAAAADz4/pxQAJqFjSPw/s640/DSC02156.JPG" width="570" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At first I tried selling them on Craigslist but after getting no takers I ended up giving them away for free. Oh well, I'm happy someone is getting a use out of them! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ceB4MwbTBSU/Uj-3igaYnYI/AAAAAAAAD0E/iGxg0cf5zP4/s1600/lights+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ceB4MwbTBSU/Uj-3igaYnYI/AAAAAAAAD0E/iGxg0cf5zP4/s640/lights+(2).JPG" width="450" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The new lights came with instructions for how to put them up, but if you are curious, <a href="http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/how-to-install-a-pendant-light/index.html" target="_blank">here</a> are some good directions. I couldn't take any photos of the process as we needed all hands on deck. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9KYIsY8ZibI/Uj-3YtZ8zuI/AAAAAAAAD0A/Rptl_rV9Q_I/s1600/DSC02160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9KYIsY8ZibI/Uj-3YtZ8zuI/AAAAAAAAD0A/Rptl_rV9Q_I/s640/DSC02160.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Voila!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kVNJj0xk3ms/Uj_Dvco0gXI/AAAAAAAAD0s/DoF3mDfPARU/s1600/DSC02164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kVNJj0xk3ms/Uj_Dvco0gXI/AAAAAAAAD0s/DoF3mDfPARU/s640/DSC02164.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">We get a lot of compliments on these lights when we have guests over and the Edison bulbs are so moody, love them! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Cost breakdown:</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Lights</b> - $160</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Curtain Rod</b> - $15</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Primer</b> - $6</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Tube Cutter</b> - $6&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Black Spray Paint</b> - Free (I had enough leftover from when I painted our <a href="http://www.hirondellerustique.blogspot.com/2013/09/diy-stacked-stone-fireplace-first.html" target="_blank">fireplace</a>)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Total = $187</b> (+ tax, so we were about $6 over our $200 budget, rats!)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>HirondelleRustiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279653864268494179noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3150986298331131051.post-65651907683868331122013-09-07T20:35:00.001-07:002013-10-11T17:32:23.132-07:00DIY Stacked Stone Fireplace (First Remodeling Project Part 2)Time slipped away from me again...oops! We got our fireplace project about 95% complete two months ago now and I love how it turned out! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9QyX7ZKHa_w/Uiu3bRhKXPI/AAAAAAAADt8/XcbVKta15FY/s1600/Before+%2526+After.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9QyX7ZKHa_w/Uiu3bRhKXPI/AAAAAAAADt8/XcbVKta15FY/s640/Before+%2526+After.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The before and after photo is the condensed version of the project. If you feel like sticking around to see how we did it, just know that you're in for a ride (it's a long post!) The cost breakdown is at the bottom.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here we go! (starting from where I left off on my last post)</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Iaq2POx_uv0/Uhq5Ht3CZTI/AAAAAAAADq4/Vs1t8Vy2GeE/s1600/DSC_0671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Iaq2POx_uv0/Uhq5Ht3CZTI/AAAAAAAADq4/Vs1t8Vy2GeE/s640/DSC_0671.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />After getting the old fireplace surround torn out, it was time to build in the new framing. We were able to re-use a lot of the old wood which helped cut costs a wee bit. Originally the fireplace box was sitting on the ground and we thought it would look better if it were raised up a bit. We also wanted the new fireplace surround to go all the way to the ceiling for a more modern/dramatic look. I still can't thank my dad enough for helping us with this! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gL5M9LYo5Lw/Uhq8TcREnyI/AAAAAAAADrM/sCnkGAcir_U/s1600/DSC01944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gL5M9LYo5Lw/Uhq8TcREnyI/AAAAAAAADrM/sCnkGAcir_U/s640/DSC01944.JPG" width="396" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">See mantle piece clamped up above the fireplace? It came out of a 1930's house! We had been searching high and low for a mantle and most of the new ones we liked fell into the $300 range. Ouch! One of my dad's friends was doing demolition work on a 1930's house and was able to save the mantle. He heard we were looking for one and decided to gift it to us as a housewarming present. What a generous gift! It may have looked like a dirty piece of lumber at first, but it cleaned up quite well. It's solid as a rock and has a beautiful patina and tight grain (we think it's some type of maple).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xEVUtD3HyBU/UhrEvX9VydI/AAAAAAAADrc/4NM9km1NmRw/s1600/IMG_20130427_141535_467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xEVUtD3HyBU/UhrEvX9VydI/AAAAAAAADrc/4NM9km1NmRw/s640/IMG_20130427_141535_467.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Since it was so huge, we had to cut it down to make it work for our fireplace. Let me tell you, I winced through the whole cutting process. It just felt wrong to chop up something with so much history, even though it was being "recycled." But we had to do what we had to do and I'm happy to say I absolutely love how it turned out.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Below: my dad and opa working together. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sAH3G9NREf8/UhrF7_lKedI/AAAAAAAADrk/fPrLxgeGXTM/s1600/IMG_0908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sAH3G9NREf8/UhrF7_lKedI/AAAAAAAADrk/fPrLxgeGXTM/s640/IMG_0908.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We had a chunk big enough to make a couple corbels so I got to work making a template and cutting them out (note: it's always a good idea to wear safety glasses when using any kind of saw. I didn't, which is just silly)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-adzAQQR-Hpw/UhrF8V_UJVI/AAAAAAAADr4/lqM-A5Lh-CA/s1600/IMG_0910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-adzAQQR-Hpw/UhrF8V_UJVI/AAAAAAAADr4/lqM-A5Lh-CA/s640/IMG_0910.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RpLNxPGbCns/UhrO5dewzzI/AAAAAAAADsM/iCc8veQNvrk/s1600/IMG_0912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RpLNxPGbCns/UhrO5dewzzI/AAAAAAAADsM/iCc8veQNvrk/s640/IMG_0912.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The "rough draft" mantle:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xcyTKqciKJA/UhrQDHmNeyI/AAAAAAAADsY/OyGwq4fnLmI/s1600/IMG_0917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xcyTKqciKJA/UhrQDHmNeyI/AAAAAAAADsY/OyGwq4fnLmI/s640/IMG_0917.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Jumping back to the framing, you may have also noticed a gray pipe sticking out. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DHjQBAPbmd0/UhrRsEzsv1I/AAAAAAAADso/CmKargoWeYE/s1600/DSC01949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DHjQBAPbmd0/UhrRsEzsv1I/AAAAAAAADso/CmKargoWeYE/s640/DSC01949.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Since space is pretty tight in the condo, we decided ahead of time that we were going to mount our TV above the fireplace. We used 2" conduit for hiding cables that connect to the TV.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PEhm3lgrNKc/UhrRrrgJw9I/AAAAAAAADsk/CDtx6n4YVes/s1600/DSC01950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PEhm3lgrNKc/UhrRrrgJw9I/AAAAAAAADsk/CDtx6n4YVes/s640/DSC01950.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We drilled pilot holes for the mantle and then hung up Durok cement board. We left the sides open so we cold bolt in the mantle and corbels from the backside.We then hung up our TV wall mount and stained the raw pieces of the mantle to match the old color.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3N2AN9n_zoI/UhrWKdwpuDI/AAAAAAAADs4/AFtAAh5aw7o/s1600/DSC02079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3N2AN9n_zoI/UhrWKdwpuDI/AAAAAAAADs4/AFtAAh5aw7o/s640/DSC02079.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">I also painted the fireplace box since it was pretty scuffed up from the previous owners. Thank you good ol' trusty can of satin black spray paint!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WtworCF2-fQ/Uit0H22GGQI/AAAAAAAADtI/RofOI9Ad3wQ/s1600/DSC01983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WtworCF2-fQ/Uit0H22GGQI/AAAAAAAADtI/RofOI9Ad3wQ/s640/DSC01983.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />We hung up the TV to get the viewing angle right and make sure we would have enough room for the stone veneer behind it. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6jfOsMl9W7k/UiucD-x0vMI/AAAAAAAADtY/HD12WxmibcE/s1600/IMG_0945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6jfOsMl9W7k/UiucD-x0vMI/AAAAAAAADtY/HD12WxmibcE/s640/IMG_0945.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our plan was to leave an empty space in the stone where the wall mount was, but we realized that the TV wouldn't cover up as much of the blank space as we thought it would. We took down the wall mount and cut off several inches so the stone would cover up more. The patch was also painted black to hide it better.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3O7Lm4VQNm4/UiunR9MCbMI/AAAAAAAADto/wi32p5DGpHE/s1600/IMG_0947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3O7Lm4VQNm4/UiunR9MCbMI/AAAAAAAADto/wi32p5DGpHE/s640/IMG_0947.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now it was time to put up the stone veneer (Eldorado stone in Chapel Hill color). We went with a manufactured stone veneer because: 1) It was much cheaper than real stone but still looked pretty convincing. 2) It was about half the weight (meaning we could get by with just using cement board by itself instead of reinforcing it with metal lath, and 3) It comes in "tiles" which means wayyyyy less cuts to make. I bought a dry powder mortar, added water and stirred using a drill mixer attachment until the mortar was the consistency of peanut butter. You can learn from my mistake here: a little goes a long way. I made way too much on the first batch for what we could get done in a day and ended up throwing out a lot of it (which resulted in us going back to Home Depot buy another bag when we finished up the project the next weekend, doh!)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eY41FQYgdzE/UivBvTwrtSI/AAAAAAAADuw/phYEcpctYS0/s1600/IMG_1038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eY41FQYgdzE/UivBvTwrtSI/AAAAAAAADuw/phYEcpctYS0/s640/IMG_1038.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />We rented a paver saw and set it up in the bathroom. I've never used any sort of tile/paver saw before so I was a bit nervous, but it turned out to be incredibly easy. The key was to go slow. I do wish I could have done the cutting outdoors, that thing makes a MESS! I remembered my safety goggles this time.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lMjeifOY2pA/UivBq8yMQnI/AAAAAAAADuk/qdWdgX6M3jo/s1600/DSC02105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lMjeifOY2pA/UivBq8yMQnI/AAAAAAAADuk/qdWdgX6M3jo/s640/DSC02105.jpg" width="444" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Before making cuts, I laid out the tiles around the fireplace to get the configuration right (although it appears an extra corner piece snuck into the photo...hmmm). Side note: we purchased hardwood floors a while back and will eventually tear out the carpet in this room. Since we knew what the thickness of the floors would be, we made shims out of scrap wood that were slightly thicker than the flooring and placed them around the fireplace. We also cut up some of the underlayment and added it as well. This ensures that we can get the floors underneath the stone in the future.&nbsp; </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qXS04mTXROc/UivBoYPnK0I/AAAAAAAADuM/98M6OvdKAsk/s1600/DSC02107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="602" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qXS04mTXROc/UivBoYPnK0I/AAAAAAAADuM/98M6OvdKAsk/s640/DSC02107.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Going up! Neal soaked down the cement board with a wet rag before spreading on the mortar so that the cement board wouldn't suck the moisture out of the mortar (which would weaken it). He also used a level to make sure that each row of tile was straight and used shims here and there to even out tiles that were wonky. Rubber gloves are definitely a must-have for this and we spent a couple extra bucks to get a stainless steel trowel with a rubber grip (it won't get rusty and it's definitely more comfortable to hold onto for an 8-hour work period!)&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P2WID7-fucs/UivBpuFi2SI/AAAAAAAADuU/2Ffzv0vqrHg/s1600/DSC02110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P2WID7-fucs/UivBpuFi2SI/AAAAAAAADuU/2Ffzv0vqrHg/s640/DSC02110.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VVaGF8lGWLM/UivBqr8TRqI/AAAAAAAADug/d8DAmcwYpN4/s1600/DSC02128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VVaGF8lGWLM/UivBqr8TRqI/AAAAAAAADug/d8DAmcwYpN4/s640/DSC02128.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Overall we had a pretty good routine going, I made all the cuts and Neal put up the stone. We found that the best way to get the tiles to stick was to put mortar on the wall AND back butter the tiles. If we had purchased a trowel with larger notches we possibly could have avoided doing both (here's another chance to learn from our mistakes!) but since we didn't feel like making the trip back to the store we used this method instead. So far the tiles haven't tried to jump off the wall so I think we're safe.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DR_Rb9AYEpg/UivBsJlKQ-I/AAAAAAAADus/mwRBU7ku7KM/s1600/DSC02130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DR_Rb9AYEpg/UivBsJlKQ-I/AAAAAAAADus/mwRBU7ku7KM/s640/DSC02130.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Closeup of the (dirty) wall mount area:</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bdb5zbm4Wv0/UivBv3tPPsI/AAAAAAAADvA/IT2wvo_QVRo/s1600/DSC02133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bdb5zbm4Wv0/UivBv3tPPsI/AAAAAAAADvA/IT2wvo_QVRo/s640/DSC02133.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was pretty pleased with how the wall mount area turned out. It's small enough to be hidden by the TV or if we go to sell/rent the condo in the future and someone doesn't want their TV above the fireplace, they can easily cover up the spot with some artwork or a mirror. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y6jXSsrn75U/UivVs-9GzKI/AAAAAAAADvg/gAEuLFqGvpM/s1600/IMG_1143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y6jXSsrn75U/UivVs-9GzKI/AAAAAAAADvg/gAEuLFqGvpM/s640/IMG_1143.JPG" width="472" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Done! Well... 95% done. We still need to paint the cut edges of the tile &amp; any chips in the stone with the patch kit (you can't see it in the photo but the edges are a very light gray and stick out like a sore thumb in certain lighting conditions) and we need to do another pass at cleaning up drips from the mortar, both of which we'll will be working on today. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xMJSlFdWDps/UivBwB98zUI/AAAAAAAADvE/yv5WPe1JYuM/s1600/DSC02138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xMJSlFdWDps/UivBwB98zUI/AAAAAAAADvE/yv5WPe1JYuM/s640/DSC02138.JPG" width="414" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9QyX7ZKHa_w/Uiu3bRhKXPI/AAAAAAAADt8/XcbVKta15FY/s1600/Before+%2526+After.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9QyX7ZKHa_w/Uiu3bRhKXPI/AAAAAAAADt8/XcbVKta15FY/s640/Before+%2526+After.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, you might be wondering how much a project like this costs? For us it was about $1000, although we didn't have a lot of the tools needed to do the work and could have saved an extra $100 had I planned a bit more carefully. Definitely not a cheap project, but I do feel it makes a huge difference in the room (it makes it feel taller, which is a nice bonus). Here's an approximate breakdown of our costs:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>$575 for the Eldorado stone veneer</b>. We initially spent about $825, which included 20% extra sq ft of stone in case of breakage (which is pretty standard) but was also a bit extra because I forgot to subtract the sq ft area of the fireplace box when I was first figuring out how much stone we would need (dumb mistake). We didn't end up using two boxes and returned them for $250 in credit, but had to pay a restocking fee of $75).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>$130 for two full days of paver saw rental</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>$45 for 3 bags of mortar</b> (we could have saved $15 if I had not made too much mortar in the first batch)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>$40 for a ladder </b>(we didn't have one)</div><b>$210 for tools &amp; other supplies</b> (lumber for framing, conduit, cement board, screws, spray paint, stain &amp; Old English for the mantle, the drill bit mixer attachment, a bucket, trowel, gloves, goggles, and anything else I may be forgetting)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">P.S. We now have a (temporary) cabinet in the little alcove to the right for storing electronic components, although we eventually hope to find something with an industrial look. Also, in case you noticed the different paint colors on either side of the fireplace, I still have some painting left to do on the walls. Lots to keep me busy, that's for sure!<b></b> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>HirondelleRustiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279653864268494179noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3150986298331131051.post-36600596301777308932013-04-28T23:42:00.003-07:002013-09-15T07:26:35.127-07:00First Remodeling Project (Part 1)I'm excited to share our first remodeling project at our new place. A short while ago I showed you a photo of the living room fireplace:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XtmwBn9yyBY/UX4FNXXQfJI/AAAAAAAADgU/2SOhTC3wk44/s1600/11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XtmwBn9yyBY/UX4FNXXQfJI/AAAAAAAADgU/2SOhTC3wk44/s640/11.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Technically there was nothing wrong with this fireplace other than it needed some touch-ups here and there. However, two weekends ago we got the itch to make some serious changes and decided the living room fireplace was a perfect candidate. It's an electric fireplace so we knew going in we wouldn't have to worry about gas lines or a chimney flue. We began by taking down the TV and wall mount:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ltbs88l8kXs/UX4HQizBYcI/AAAAAAAADgk/alY2kjYwp-Y/s1600/DSC_0637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ltbs88l8kXs/UX4HQizBYcI/AAAAAAAADgk/alY2kjYwp-Y/s640/DSC_0637.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Then I started removing the trim around the base:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G1Ht3kMWZLk/UX4HldlR5YI/AAAAAAAADgs/4h_GKfwrinU/s1600/DSC_0638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G1Ht3kMWZLk/UX4HldlR5YI/AAAAAAAADgs/4h_GKfwrinU/s640/DSC_0638.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Next came the mantle. My other half was visiting with his dad for the weekend and I was too antsy to wait for him to get back so I jumped at the chance to do a little demo work. I used two scrap 2x4's from Home Depot as a makeshift lever:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5hDUnXerOHM/UX4HvE7OXXI/AAAAAAAADg0/f5WOBbSZ5X4/s1600/DSC_0639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5hDUnXerOHM/UX4HvE7OXXI/AAAAAAAADg0/f5WOBbSZ5X4/s640/DSC_0639.JPG" width="424" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6AlBhg_Xe1s/UX4H4mpULPI/AAAAAAAADg8/y1e4Feu-fTk/s1600/DSC_0642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6AlBhg_Xe1s/UX4H4mpULPI/AAAAAAAADg8/y1e4Feu-fTk/s640/DSC_0642.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />The mantle piece came off way easier than I thought it would. Phew! After taking off the remaining trim pieces, I started removing the tile using a small pry bar and a flat-head screwdriver. About halfway through I started thinking I was crazy to be removing perfectly good tile on a perfectly good fireplace and got up to take a break. I had left the screwdriver jammed into the sheet rock and when I came back I found my cat hard at work where I left off:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s6FLqFUSE3k/UX4Ld3r3otI/AAAAAAAADhU/q4_Vum9p3Ms/s1600/DSC_0647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s6FLqFUSE3k/UX4Ld3r3otI/AAAAAAAADhU/q4_Vum9p3Ms/s640/DSC_0647.JPG" width="424" /></a></div><br />That was all the motivation I needed to keep going with the project (although I decided it would be better to keep kitty in a different room while I worked so off he went). The tile came off easily enough and I was done in a relatively short amount of time. I then decided I would tear off the sheet rock. You know those TV shows where you see people busting through walls with hammers and everyone looks so happy because, well, demo work is fun right? Oh how I wish I could experience that feeling! I picked up a hammer and swung it as hard as I could at the sheet rock, fully expecting to blast out a hole the size of a basketball (or at least a golf ball) and nope. CLANG!!! It just bounced right off and made the loudest noise possible. Since we have neighbors sharing walls with us, I decided it would be best to not continue with this method. And since it was also past the hour of noise-making (one thing house owners don't have to worry about as much) I called it quits for the night.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YWK9nbk8yrg/UX4LnYdWLDI/AAAAAAAADhc/HfT4D_TOtiA/s1600/DSC_0660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YWK9nbk8yrg/UX4LnYdWLDI/AAAAAAAADhc/HfT4D_TOtiA/s640/DSC_0660.JPG" width="424" /></a></div><br />The next day I woke up to a surprise visit by my parents! They came up to help me with the rest of the demo work (what a nice thing to do huh?) <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yKGoIWqOy9c/UX4LxEB7AMI/AAAAAAAADhk/LfUJ91-DlQc/s1600/DSC_0664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yKGoIWqOy9c/UX4LxEB7AMI/AAAAAAAADhk/LfUJ91-DlQc/s640/DSC_0664.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">And we left off with a clean slate:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xB0fUsC97Mc/UX4MOB6R_bI/AAAAAAAADhs/IZIJVIEHpAs/s1600/DSC_0671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xB0fUsC97Mc/UX4MOB6R_bI/AAAAAAAADhs/IZIJVIEHpAs/s640/DSC_0671.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'll be back to share more soon!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">P.S. I put the old fireplace mantle on Craigslist for free and found a new home for it the same day. Woo hoo!</div>HirondelleRustiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279653864268494179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3150986298331131051.post-2993068249192565792013-04-07T13:03:00.003-07:002013-09-15T22:49:03.850-07:00Pics of the New Digs! (with seller's stuff)<div style="text-align: left;">We've been at the new condo a week now and we're finally making some headway on all those boxes left to unpack (how on earth did we get so much stuff??) I've woken up every morning with the hugest smile on my face. I love it here! <br /><br />I'll spare you the pictures of our junk everywhere (in reality it's not that bad but in 859 sq ft, the tiniest mess looks huge). Here are some shots we snapped on our first visit &amp; during inspection.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As you walk in you see the kitchen first:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B7kHy6xdlKg/UWG3el-NG8I/AAAAAAAADdo/ay98X3Ipmpw/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B7kHy6xdlKg/UWG3el-NG8I/AAAAAAAADdo/ay98X3Ipmpw/s640/1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rCuxT9lQH5c/UWG3gt9hMuI/AAAAAAAADeQ/xWmMjF-myic/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rCuxT9lQH5c/UWG3gt9hMuI/AAAAAAAADeQ/xWmMjF-myic/s640/2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dlQvaiZ9qc8/UWG3jNvGkDI/AAAAAAAADfU/KDmfrGWE90g/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dlQvaiZ9qc8/UWG3jNvGkDI/AAAAAAAADfU/KDmfrGWE90g/s640/3.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;After living in apartments for the last 5 or 6 years I'm definitely used to small kitchens, but this one had me at hello. The tall upper cabinets are perfect for extra storage, the layout is great and the kitchen even has some quirky little things I love like these tiny spice cabinets next to the microwave and tiny cabinets next to the stove for baking pans (hooray)! And yes, we have some ideas for changing up this perfectly good kitchen already (I know I know, we're crazy)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GQeNP-GiQJo/UWG3kY_XiuI/AAAAAAAADfw/ASiInbEMoVA/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GQeNP-GiQJo/UWG3kY_XiuI/AAAAAAAADfw/ASiInbEMoVA/s640/4.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_zWrXeqMbfk/UWG3kvni3AI/AAAAAAAADf8/gkI48kcOAcw/s1600/6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_zWrXeqMbfk/UWG3kvni3AI/AAAAAAAADf8/gkI48kcOAcw/s640/6.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>&nbsp;The picture above is looking back at the entry way &amp; coat closet. Behind the louvered doors is the washer/dryer (stacked). <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gSeWR_pFjrI/UWG3k0fF9iI/AAAAAAAADgA/xJN5tfftJ1c/s1600/9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gSeWR_pFjrI/UWG3k0fF9iI/AAAAAAAADgA/xJN5tfftJ1c/s640/9.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>&nbsp;Above is the living/dining room (yep, it's gonna be a cozy fit!) Sooooo many ideas for this room (although currently it's the place of "box mountains")<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0xJjp5xYOdI/UWG3lXZM3hI/AAAAAAAADgE/23_H3eP1CV0/s1600/IMG_0798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0xJjp5xYOdI/UWG3lXZM3hI/AAAAAAAADgE/23_H3eP1CV0/s640/IMG_0798.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The view! (taken the day after we moved in) </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N16obPleWRA/UWG3e7da9II/AAAAAAAADds/u4vNBxlssXw/s1600/11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N16obPleWRA/UWG3e7da9II/AAAAAAAADds/u4vNBxlssXw/s640/11.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yay! A fireplace!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-trrm2JYfVAQ/UWG3fAbhw9I/AAAAAAAADeU/RNU_lKqy3Jk/s1600/16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-trrm2JYfVAQ/UWG3fAbhw9I/AAAAAAAADeU/RNU_lKqy3Jk/s640/16.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Backing up a bit, the hallway starts near the louvered doors (washer/dryer). To the right (not pictured) is the door to the 2nd bedroom. The door on the left goes to the guest bathroom while door straight ahead leads to the master bedroom/bath. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k4S6ENxVxNk/UWG3fqp88HI/AAAAAAAADd8/qfQe_Zr1vIc/s1600/17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k4S6ENxVxNk/UWG3fqp88HI/AAAAAAAADd8/qfQe_Zr1vIc/s640/17.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Here's the 2nd bedroom. The seller was using it as a home office (we are too) </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xESedVDANy8/UWG3gEZCdxI/AAAAAAAADeA/KiXFnfMPYyA/s1600/19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xESedVDANy8/UWG3gEZCdxI/AAAAAAAADeA/KiXFnfMPYyA/s640/19.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lSee8BqsWnA/UWG3g6RuxXI/AAAAAAAADeY/jlfvOKXlSGw/s1600/20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lSee8BqsWnA/UWG3g6RuxXI/AAAAAAAADeY/jlfvOKXlSGw/s640/20.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Guest bathroom</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E37fMSuBJ6k/UWG3hZpQdeI/AAAAAAAADek/iqGqkj2lpig/s1600/24.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E37fMSuBJ6k/UWG3hZpQdeI/AAAAAAAADek/iqGqkj2lpig/s640/24.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Looking from the guest bathroom into the master bedroom hall (the open bi-fold door is the walk-in closet, which I don't have a picture of just yet)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-56t6lgpuAM0/UWG3h5SiUDI/AAAAAAAADew/_jICiUsFATM/s1600/26.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-56t6lgpuAM0/UWG3h5SiUDI/AAAAAAAADew/_jICiUsFATM/s640/26.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Checkin' out the master bedroom. This room is pretty small, but who cares! The view! </div><span id="goog_1913858878"></span><span id="goog_1913858879"></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RBc2rjIdIbQ/UWG3imCW_uI/AAAAAAAADfE/_i9aeIi_Jm0/s1600/28.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RBc2rjIdIbQ/UWG3imCW_uI/AAAAAAAADfE/_i9aeIi_Jm0/s640/28.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm not usually a fan of fans, but this one is actually pretty cool. I think it's staying :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Byf7NRSSqyY/UWG3i3-05FI/AAAAAAAADfM/-Nn2vZqgOOI/s1600/29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Byf7NRSSqyY/UWG3i3-05FI/AAAAAAAADfM/-Nn2vZqgOOI/s640/29.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IqnAHkMF0RE/UWG3jdA9zZI/AAAAAAAADfc/AU0woNXHRBQ/s1600/30.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IqnAHkMF0RE/UWG3jdA9zZI/AAAAAAAADfc/AU0woNXHRBQ/s640/30.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Master bathroom</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lrds3_gddqg/UWG3j9hM3vI/AAAAAAAADgI/G46DsQkLl_c/s1600/32.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lrds3_gddqg/UWG3j9hM3vI/AAAAAAAADgI/G46DsQkLl_c/s640/32.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_j--50UVyx8/UWG3kAiK5sI/AAAAAAAADfo/8MakJc3RSBU/s1600/34.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_j--50UVyx8/UWG3kAiK5sI/AAAAAAAADfo/8MakJc3RSBU/s640/34.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>&nbsp;We've only been here one week and I keep finding excuses for taking a bath in that tub. I feel really spoiled. Oh and in case you were wondering the seller did not leave the basketball tv behind :) <br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So there you have it! My new home. I'm excited to get back into blogging and I'm really excited to have a place to decorate again. We've already started on a big project (and no it's not unpacking), wahoo!</div>HirondelleRustiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279653864268494179noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3150986298331131051.post-19364372337560282013-04-01T12:05:00.001-07:002013-04-01T12:05:13.329-07:00News!I'm breaking my blogging silence to pop in and say I'm now officially a home owner! (And no this isn't an April fools joke, I promise). My significant other and I purchased a 2 bedroom/2 bath condo in a city and building we both love. We closed on Friday and spent the weekend moving in. The building is fairly new but we've already got a few projects in mind to make the condo feel more like us and I can't wait to get started (gotta take time to properly plan though!) I'll share some pictures soon!HirondelleRustiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279653864268494179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3150986298331131051.post-87107050842518557212012-06-21T19:36:00.000-07:002012-06-21T19:36:10.815-07:00Still Alive...Hey everyone! Just wanted to let you all know I'm still alive, I've been a horrible blogger lately I know.<br /><br />I mostly dropped in to say a quick general announcement (although I'm fairly certain I'm the last person on earth to find out about this) but if you live in the Seattle area, there are two HomeGoods stores opening up nearby! One is in Lynnwood and the other is in Federal Way. The grand opening is this Sunday. I've been dying to check out HomeGoods after seeing all the fun things other bloggers have picked up (although it will probably just be a window shopping trip for me!)<br /><br />In case you were wondering why I haven't been blogging, I've got some side projects going on and haven't been focusing on decorating at all. I'm rooming with some friends I met in college and I've decided to hold off on decorating/projects until I have my own place. The girl who owns this condo loves decorating too and I don't think she would mind, but this is her first real place and I want to respect her tastes. I'm keeping myself content with my little bedroom and I'm happy knowing I'm saving up money to someday get a place of my own. Plus I really couldn't ask for better roommates, so I'm thrilled!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Here are a few shots of things in my room:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GfAjLvt0oHE/T-PTyxzfvSI/AAAAAAAABbs/sMQ2yRiH3LA/s1600/IMG_0806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GfAjLvt0oHE/T-PTyxzfvSI/AAAAAAAABbs/sMQ2yRiH3LA/s400/IMG_0806.JPG" width="400" />&nbsp;</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TEhvN5F3rFU/T-PS-whCVRI/AAAAAAAABbk/_Cdjzz9eePY/s1600/IMG_0833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TEhvN5F3rFU/T-PS-whCVRI/AAAAAAAABbk/_Cdjzz9eePY/s640/IMG_0833.JPG" width="483" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Above: My landing place for jewelry on my dresser. I bought one of those photo-hanging family trees from the thrift store (it was missing the frames) and used it to hang my earrings (still need to paint the base). I also framed a feather I found in the woods when I was young, I've had it with me all these years!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AMtus5FV-sY/T-PUCb19VeI/AAAAAAAABb0/0YrmD2uFx6o/s1600/IMG_0834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AMtus5FV-sY/T-PUCb19VeI/AAAAAAAABb0/0YrmD2uFx6o/s640/IMG_0834.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I painted the wall opposite my bed a dark color using a semi-gloss paint and hung my faux-wood painted canvas up. I believe the dark color is called "Cascade" by Sherwin Williams. It reminds me of the deep dark ocean and changes colors throughout the day between black, blue and green. Also, as you can see a visitor dropped in to snuggle up on the blanket: some of you might remember Tobermory, my rescue cat (looking rather irritated at the moment!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyway, that's all for now! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>HirondelleRustiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279653864268494179noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3150986298331131051.post-78554485870767613132012-03-28T10:01:00.001-07:002012-03-28T10:05:58.216-07:00Featured!My Chevron deer print has been featured by the lovely Michelle over at <a href="http://whatiheartblog.blogspot.com/2012/03/what-i-heart-today-toddler-bedroom.html">What I Heart</a> in an inspiration board for her daughter's room. I love it, thank you Michelle! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-I3hU3kLDgAc/T3ND0C7cbWI/AAAAAAAABbc/GzuLDvEIFOo/s640/blogger-image-551199666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258px" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-I3hU3kLDgAc/T3ND0C7cbWI/AAAAAAAABbc/GzuLDvEIFOo/s400/blogger-image-551199666.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div>HirondelleRustiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279653864268494179noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3150986298331131051.post-64273431993369269702012-03-07T20:25:00.001-08:002012-03-07T20:28:31.661-08:00A Practical Use For Bad WalnutsI went and visited family on Sunday and had a little get-together in honor of my sister-in-law's birthday. While preparing food, we realized our bag of walnuts was rancid. We were about to throw out the bag when my sister-in-law mentioned we could use the nuts to "erase" scuff marks from furniture. She gave a little demonstration and it worked beautifully. Here's how it looks on my parent's cabinets. I suppose one could use Old English just as well (which is probably less messy) but I thought this was really neat! <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Before&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-P333Sxh2yt0/T1g0oGKozZI/AAAAAAAABbM/WFNcb9LPfdA/s640/blogger-image--377744749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-P333Sxh2yt0/T1g0oGKozZI/AAAAAAAABbM/WFNcb9LPfdA/s640/blogger-image--377744749.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1n_UinIFY0A/T1g0nmOqULI/AAAAAAAABbE/efRLX3pyA8U/s640/blogger-image--1105067733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1n_UinIFY0A/T1g0nmOqULI/AAAAAAAABbE/efRLX3pyA8U/s640/blogger-image--1105067733.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;After! Not perfect but a huge improvement!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QpCBFOZFuKg/T1g0oql9XeI/AAAAAAAABbU/l7OcTIzzjDk/s640/blogger-image--392849889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QpCBFOZFuKg/T1g0oql9XeI/AAAAAAAABbU/l7OcTIzzjDk/s640/blogger-image--392849889.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>HirondelleRustiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279653864268494179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3150986298331131051.post-41753873655791206672012-03-01T17:16:00.001-08:002012-03-01T17:18:07.328-08:00Yikes?My co-worker sent me an article on Pinterest that had me saying yikes. Or maybe not? I'll just leave this here:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2012/02/29/businessinsiderpinterest-copyright-.DTL">http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2012/02/29/businessinsiderpinterest-copyright-.DTL</a><br /><br />Thoughts?HirondelleRustiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279653864268494179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3150986298331131051.post-87357921942366675492012-02-04T16:16:00.001-08:002012-02-04T16:16:58.256-08:00Saturday Morning...Guess what came in the mail today? The ottoman and mirror I ordered! I'm really pleased with both of these, now to find a place for them!<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jevmbaeaULE/Ty3KeUeNiJI/AAAAAAAABa8/hZdPmw5slgY/s640/blogger-image--257550960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jevmbaeaULE/Ty3KeUeNiJI/AAAAAAAABa8/hZdPmw5slgY/s640/blogger-image--257550960.jpg" /></a></div>HirondelleRustiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279653864268494179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3150986298331131051.post-61505267918023440912012-01-30T00:18:00.000-08:002014-05-30T12:54:11.807-07:00Thrifty & Not So Thrifty FindsThe decorating fairy has been visiting my dreams rather frequently I guess, because I've been on a mission to <strike>spend</strike> <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PxBTG5wSLuE/TyY0gQaeV_I/AAAAAAAABaI/LEjWi5qDIWY/s1600/image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="449" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PxBTG5wSLuE/TyY0gQaeV_I/AAAAAAAABaI/LEjWi5qDIWY/s640/image.png" width="640"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">&nbsp;</span><span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">{thank you, <a href="http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/">Hyperbole and a Half</a> </span><span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">and for whoever made this a meme</span>}</div><br>While visiting my local Value Village, I spotted two beautiful pieces of furniture I couldn't peel my eyes from. And just what were they?<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q7-Wlcxxl58/TyYnH-D6PkI/AAAAAAAABZw/QF84bHIIHro/s1600/blog_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="449" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q7-Wlcxxl58/TyYnH-D6PkI/AAAAAAAABZw/QF84bHIIHro/s640/blog_1.jpg" width="640"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xFNwFDHL3Z8/TyYnLsaMp9I/AAAAAAAABZ4/Eyd4QCABsdU/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xFNwFDHL3Z8/TyYnLsaMp9I/AAAAAAAABZ4/Eyd4QCABsdU/s640/blog.jpg" width="440">&nbsp;</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Grandma couches!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ha! Never in my life did I think I would buy a blue sofa. Or anything that even remotely resembled&nbsp; chintz. But I fell in love with the shape of these sofas and the stretcher bar legs immediately. They aren't perfect (as you can sort of see by the second photo, the cushion is missing a lot of foam and was re-stitched, badly) but I plan on having them re-upholstered (hopefully sometime this year). I can see them in a linen colored fabric, possibly with some tufting on the back and a taller seat cushion. Oh and just in case you were wondering, no, I'm not going to attempt to tackle the reupholstering myself. Call me wimp, but I'm leaving this job to the pros. In the meantime they are quite comfortable and the fabric has grown on me (it could be much worse, right?) Did I mention they were $75... total? Nab!&nbsp;</div><br><br>Rachel (my roommate) and I moved one of them into the dining room area and it's been a great place to sit and enjoy a meal. I love curling up right in the corner and looking out the window too, and this was our view a week and a half ago:<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OtT26lyol4U/TyYv_L9HJMI/AAAAAAAABaA/agHN9Asogh0/s1600/snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OtT26lyol4U/TyYv_L9HJMI/AAAAAAAABaA/agHN9Asogh0/s640/snow.jpg" width="379"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Beautiful snow!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">While out thrifting, I also snagged some George Briard glasses (<a href="http://happinessisapinkfoodog.com/crushing-on/spotlight-on-george-briard-glassware/">these ones</a> actually, but taller) and some large picture frames I'd love to find some cool art for.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Meanwhile in the not-so-thrifty department, a "vendor closing, BOGO" sale sign caught my eye at a place close to my work. I decided to swing by for a look and ended up having an intense, (completely made up) duel with another lady customer in the store. It went something like this:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Me: Wow, what an awesome mirror! I love the style and color... I need this! $70? Hmm.. it's a little steep, but since it's buy one, get one maybe I can find a cool picture frame too. *Tries to get mirror off the wall* Maybe I'll go find someone to help me...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ge4s2qsF8dE/TyZLOLp6TmI/AAAAAAAABaY/QiyHrx5Fp80/s1600/blog_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ge4s2qsF8dE/TyZLOLp6TmI/AAAAAAAABaY/QiyHrx5Fp80/s640/blog_2.jpg" width="300"></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_wPXUGwcJ58/TyZK4RzgN9I/AAAAAAAABaQ/irQTSVts-xI/s1600/blog_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">One minute later, the other lady found the only salesperson in the store and mentioned she was looking for some frames. No worries, I can wait.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Two minutes later, they are standing in front of the mirror. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Lady: "This mirror is fantastic! I was shopping for frames but I think I might get this!"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">I started to worry that she might be serious.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Lady: "Oh, there's a white one too! Hmmm... this is a tough choice!"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Me: Oh man she is serious. I started freaking out in my head, yelling "You should definitely get the white one!"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Lady (turns to salesperson) "I have a room with gray walls, do you think the white mirror would look better or the gray one?"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Me: (inside my head) "WHITE!!" </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Salesperson: "Hmm... I think the white one would pop more against that color..."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Lady: "Hmmm yeah I suppose so, but I think I like the dark one more..."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;Me: (brain) "OMG! GET THE WHITE ONE!"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Lady: "Well I guess I can get the white one and if I don't like it I'll come back for the dark one."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">The salesperson helped her get it down and the second they walked around the corner I snatched the dark mirror off the wall with such force Obi-Wan Kenobi would have been proud and then promptly found a brown frame to purchase as well. This about sums up my mood walking out of the store:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HQHqT2VEWLk/TyZMlN0ISdI/AAAAAAAABag/RlSqVljagdw/s1600/il_430xN_55995340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HQHqT2VEWLk/TyZMlN0ISdI/AAAAAAAABag/RlSqVljagdw/s640/il_430xN_55995340.jpg" width="458"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #999999;">{via Etsy, although I can't seem to recall the seller who made this, sorry!}</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">As you can see from the mirror photo above, it is now hanging in my room between the two paint swatches on my wall that I STILL have yet to decide on. Yikes.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">In other wallet-getting-thinner news, I also fell in love with <a href="http://www.kirklands.com/product/FURNITURE/Seating/Gray-Madison-Bench/pc/2285/c/0/sc/2316/159846.uts">this bench</a> from Kirkland's:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n2ToIQA8pZ0/TyZOnnwd7rI/AAAAAAAABao/fXz-sxx7AtA/s1600/s7d5.scene7.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n2ToIQA8pZ0/TyZOnnwd7rI/AAAAAAAABao/fXz-sxx7AtA/s400/s7d5.scene7.com.jpg" width="400"></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">...and <a href="http://www.seventhavenue.com/Home-Decor/Wall-Decor/Mirrors/Twig-Frame-Mirror.pro?fpi=62971&amp;catCd=ES">this mirror</a> from Seventh Avenue:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DW7asffcF78/TyZO61P7dMI/AAAAAAAABaw/ZM_wUl_MiLI/s1600/067575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DW7asffcF78/TyZO61P7dMI/AAAAAAAABaw/ZM_wUl_MiLI/s320/067575.jpg" width="320"></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">In my imaginary entryway, I think these two would go great together (I would hang the mirror vertically over the bench). We don't have room in our entryway, but of course because I'm, you know, crazy... I bought them anyway. I'll post pictures when they arrive!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div>HirondelleRustiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279653864268494179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3150986298331131051.post-29778917621227020352011-10-13T22:22:00.000-07:002011-10-13T22:23:11.335-07:00What I've been up to lately...Hello everyone! It's been quite an extended "blogging vacation" for me - over 6 months, whew! I just wanted to drop in and share what I've been up to lately:<br /><br />First, I moved! I'm now living in a condo with my friend Rachel, who is just as excited about decorating as I am (score! and... dangerous?)&nbsp; Here are some messy "before" photos (moving in):<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_R5pKBYSWlE/Tpe-iX9_vzI/AAAAAAAABYc/_j5cU1uz5MA/s1600/condo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_R5pKBYSWlE/Tpe-iX9_vzI/AAAAAAAABYc/_j5cU1uz5MA/s640/condo.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Hallway into living/dining/kitchen area</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pj6-8R0DGGk/Tpe-i7loJ7I/AAAAAAAABYk/rHJZU4fpWto/s1600/condo_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pj6-8R0DGGk/Tpe-i7loJ7I/AAAAAAAABYk/rHJZU4fpWto/s640/condo_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;View of the dining room form the living room</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-687taZMsf8w/Tpe-jgYYzMI/AAAAAAAABYs/v6do6-P26YQ/s1600/condo_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-687taZMsf8w/Tpe-jgYYzMI/AAAAAAAABYs/v6do6-P26YQ/s640/condo_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Living room </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Things have moved around quite a bit since these photos were taken, I'll be sure to post updates soon!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eq-KmGwmOsE/Tpe-ka_M8NI/AAAAAAAABY0/2bocoKNCCbM/s1600/condo_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eq-KmGwmOsE/Tpe-ka_M8NI/AAAAAAAABY0/2bocoKNCCbM/s640/condo_3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My bedroom.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I painted some swatches on the walls right away... and that's pretty much as far as I've gotten. I can't decide if I want to commit to the blue-gray. And yep my computer is in my room, which is where I blog from. :)</div><br />In other news, I went back to school (of sorts). I took a 3 month class from a new local college and it was awesome, I loved every second of it!<br /><br />About 4 months ago I was contacted by Houzz to create some <a href="http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/monicasundberg">ideabooks</a> for their website and it's been awesome working on those. In my search for products I've found way too many things I'd like to buy! <br /><br />In August I got a new pet. I was driving home from work and saw something running across the freeway and nearly had a heart-attack when I realized it was a kitten! I pulled over and he stayed right where he was and just meowed at me. When we got home I sat down on the floor with him and he immediately crawled into my lap and started purring and fell asleep. My heart just melted. Due to the condition he was in I suspected he was abandoned, but in the following weeks I did what I could to find his owners and didn't get any takers. I took him in for check-ups and treatments and all that good stuff and he's looking so much better now. He's been such a blast to have around the house (albeit rambunctious at times!) I'm very glad we crossed paths!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ycWRGsazxw/TpfCR5oG7kI/AAAAAAAABZE/KmCweMPfZs8/s1600/DSC_0501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ycWRGsazxw/TpfCR5oG7kI/AAAAAAAABZE/KmCweMPfZs8/s640/DSC_0501.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;I named him Tobermory (Toby for short) after the cat from</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x9q23t_nocturna_shortfilms">Nocturna</a>, one of my all-time favorite 2d animated movies.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--C18pkzacFo/TpfCWnXHoeI/AAAAAAAABZM/ZY4FQsbt0zU/s1600/tobermory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--C18pkzacFo/TpfCWnXHoeI/AAAAAAAABZM/ZY4FQsbt0zU/s640/tobermory.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Feisty!</div><br />Other than that I've been keeping busy with work and Etsy and taking some time to just enjoy life.&nbsp; I haven't been doing any projects lately which is unusual for me, although I did pick up a few things I plan on fixing up and changing (I'll share those soon!)<br /><br />Hope everyone has a fantastic Friday and a wonderful weekend! <br /><br /><br />&nbsp; <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />HirondelleRustiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279653864268494179noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3150986298331131051.post-16738829111370850832011-03-06T12:07:00.000-08:002011-03-06T12:07:49.229-08:00VacationI'm going to be on a vacation of sorts for the next three months. I've been working full-time as well as managing my Etsy business and recently I decided to go back to school (for 3d modeling/video game environment art). I couldn't be happier with the classes and I'm excited for this change, even though it means I'll be spending less time blogging (for now).&nbsp; I'm going to be moving soon as well, which is another reason why I'm taking a little time off.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_b__vlYAwYE/TXPpU71vHFI/AAAAAAAABYM/NHLei4C9XwQ/s1600/Exterior-Tudor-Bowen-MKOVR0905-de.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_b__vlYAwYE/TXPpU71vHFI/AAAAAAAABYM/NHLei4C9XwQ/s640/Exterior-Tudor-Bowen-MKOVR0905-de.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #444444;">&nbsp;{Country Living}</span></span></div><br />I still have projects I'd love to share and I really appreciate the comments and emails I've received in the meantime, even though I've been slack about posting lately. Just know that it will be short lived and come summer time I'll be back in the game. I hope you all enjoy the rest of your weekend!HirondelleRustiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279653864268494179noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3150986298331131051.post-37548197302909434562011-02-13T12:51:00.000-08:002011-02-13T12:51:00.095-08:00London Love<div style="text-align: center;">Fantastic design inspiration straight from flats for rent and for sale in London. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.foxtons.com/index.html"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;">{found via foxtons.com}</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UPj-2wvNQQ0/TVcrvxV5G_I/AAAAAAAABXw/_CGQ5m1p9L0/s1600/foxtons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UPj-2wvNQQ0/TVcrvxV5G_I/AAAAAAAABXw/_CGQ5m1p9L0/s640/foxtons.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hFJ0OeDFcC0/TVc0rAXZ3gI/AAAAAAAABX4/S8RDi3hY0HM/s1600/entry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hFJ0OeDFcC0/TVc0rAXZ3gI/AAAAAAAABX4/S8RDi3hY0HM/s640/entry.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3c0VzyYRHQM/TVc0rbrU4SI/AAAAAAAABX8/YLLZaMaVEzI/s1600/garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3c0VzyYRHQM/TVc0rbrU4SI/AAAAAAAABX8/YLLZaMaVEzI/s640/garden.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lrCKgUI55Eg/TVc0sPx1VsI/AAAAAAAABYA/97VaWf4GCFA/s1600/house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lrCKgUI55Eg/TVc0sPx1VsI/AAAAAAAABYA/97VaWf4GCFA/s640/house.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IjEIdy9FLqg/TVc0stsxHwI/AAAAAAAABYE/7MVqL0dHxnU/s1600/lr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IjEIdy9FLqg/TVc0stsxHwI/AAAAAAAABYE/7MVqL0dHxnU/s640/lr.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tdq8wJYyC70/TVc0s99hIbI/AAAAAAAABYI/JxcND6h-EZo/s1600/room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tdq8wJYyC70/TVc0s99hIbI/AAAAAAAABYI/JxcND6h-EZo/s640/room.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>HirondelleRustiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279653864268494179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3150986298331131051.post-51986122313752537242011-02-12T11:06:00.000-08:002011-02-12T11:06:18.310-08:00A New (old) CabinetWhile exploring one of my parent's old barns, I saw a little cabinet shoved against the wall amongst other old items. It was full of tattered books and looked like it had seen better days, but what a charming thing it was! (Uh-oh, is my crazy starting to show?)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UkFOghyF9v0/TVbHg5Pgh4I/AAAAAAAABWU/_5yRIsVIM7I/s1600/cabinet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UkFOghyF9v0/TVbHg5Pgh4I/AAAAAAAABWU/_5yRIsVIM7I/s320/cabinet.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />The barn it sat in is slowly starting to fall apart with old age and the roof is badly leaking, so my dad told me to rescue the cabinet and bring it home. I was in the market for something to hold supplies for my office, so this seemed&nbsp; to fit the bill perfectly!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4o5Ox2SOA-c/TVbHqbAjdVI/AAAAAAAABWY/EvusgSAxIyk/s1600/cabinet_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4o5Ox2SOA-c/TVbHqbAjdVI/AAAAAAAABWY/EvusgSAxIyk/s320/cabinet_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Since it was in the barn for 50 years or so, it's definitely musty and a bit moldy too (and there were even traces of a mouse nest, eep!) But it's nothing a little bleach and airing out in the sun won't cure. I do plan on painting it and I've been gathering ideas. Even though it's down low and you probably won't see much of the inside, I'd like to do something fun with the back, perhaps a bold color or stencil. Which of these painted bookshelves/cabinets strikes your fancy?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sSTU6WxHg-c/TVbJJUjNeSI/AAAAAAAABXI/PDpNMoOcKqY/s1600/87d0b57d422b.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sSTU6WxHg-c/TVbJJUjNeSI/AAAAAAAABXI/PDpNMoOcKqY/s320/87d0b57d422b.png" width="256" /></a></div><a href="http://decorpad.com/"><span style="color: #999999; font-size: xx-small;">{decorpad}</span></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wQf7J-JBfmU/TVbJJ3Sg56I/AAAAAAAABXM/e27XA5RZr-k/s1600/413e704f9485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wQf7J-JBfmU/TVbJJ3Sg56I/AAAAAAAABXM/e27XA5RZr-k/s320/413e704f9485.jpg" width="284" /></a></div><a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/bold-houston-design"><span style="color: #999999; font-size: xx-small;">{house beautiful}</span></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cDX0q2xh2ag/TVbOih79E6I/AAAAAAAABXo/xoKOcjM2i18/s1600/2e25162c2469.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cDX0q2xh2ag/TVbOih79E6I/AAAAAAAABXo/xoKOcjM2i18/s320/2e25162c2469.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: #999999;"><a href="http://decorpad.com/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">&nbsp;{decorpad}</span></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hv-90PQGrKg/TVbOjPKQ4pI/AAAAAAAABXs/_IzlZch5qbU/s1600/73498-438x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hv-90PQGrKg/TVbOjPKQ4pI/AAAAAAAABXs/_IzlZch5qbU/s320/73498-438x.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><a href="http://lumberjocks.com/projects/18545"><span style="color: #999999; font-size: xx-small;">{lumberjocks}</span></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OgoudEgwqYM/TVbJKn5befI/AAAAAAAABXU/y_n87h6FmiE/s1600/a100194_1003_livingrmlight_xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OgoudEgwqYM/TVbJKn5befI/AAAAAAAABXU/y_n87h6FmiE/s320/a100194_1003_livingrmlight_xl.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><a href="http://marthastewart.com/"><span style="color: #999999; font-size: xx-small;">{martha stewart}</span></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fU3JTilDX4o/TVbJK2WLYDI/AAAAAAAABXY/cLIN3IHfGFo/s1600/mld105713_0510_homeoffice2_xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fU3JTilDX4o/TVbJK2WLYDI/AAAAAAAABXY/cLIN3IHfGFo/s320/mld105713_0510_homeoffice2_xl.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><a href="http://pinterest.com/taslimsidi/for-the-home/"><span style="color: #999999; font-size: xx-small;">{pinterest}</span></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q2AeJFUe-ns/TVbJLLYnlYI/AAAAAAAABXc/7z-w09sL1BQ/s1600/painted-bookshelf-fb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q2AeJFUe-ns/TVbJLLYnlYI/AAAAAAAABXc/7z-w09sL1BQ/s320/painted-bookshelf-fb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/decor/easy-home-decor-ideas"><span style="color: #999999; font-size: xx-small;">{good housekeeping}</span></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4SOYvZ__8kU/TVbJLUJtfPI/AAAAAAAABXg/WF6NBTHRDOk/s1600/Restful-home-office.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4SOYvZ__8kU/TVbJLUJtfPI/AAAAAAAABXg/WF6NBTHRDOk/s320/Restful-home-office.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://www.livingetc.com/"><span style="color: #999999; font-size: xx-small;">{living etc}</span></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fHXgTymaGdM/TVbJL7jxk-I/AAAAAAAABXk/mhT7VpoOrG8/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-01-06+at+10.59.06+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fHXgTymaGdM/TVbJL7jxk-I/AAAAAAAABXk/mhT7VpoOrG8/s320/Screen+shot+2011-01-06+at+10.59.06+AM.png" width="215" /></a></div><span style="color: #999999; font-size: xx-small;">{young house love}</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you have any ideas you think I'd like, send them my way!</div>HirondelleRustiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279653864268494179noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3150986298331131051.post-41809929670962992982011-01-30T23:14:00.000-08:002011-01-30T23:14:17.123-08:00DIY: Gold Branch Mirror Tutorial<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">When looking at the after photo of my <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TJK6kEPJGFI/AAAAAAAABE0/NvUU8VMFkjk/s1600/3.jpg">mini office makeover</a> I realized that the space was reading more like it belonged in a kid's room than an adult's (or at least that's how I was seeing it anyway). Here's a little mirror project I did to give it a bit of glam and a more "grown up" feel.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TUYFZm0MizI/AAAAAAAABVc/hjnP1CjWWYc/s1600/mirror_7a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TUYFZm0MizI/AAAAAAAABVc/hjnP1CjWWYc/s640/mirror_7a.jpg" width="616" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My inspiration first came from these beautiful mirrors:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mecoxgardens.com/pageItemDetail.asp?RECORDID=11954#">Mecox</a> ($1000)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TUYF0d_HTNI/AAAAAAAABVk/mMaIKHBMoRM/s1600/farah_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TUYF0d_HTNI/AAAAAAAABVk/mMaIKHBMoRM/s400/farah_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1434865435"></span><span id="goog_1434865436"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bellacor.com/productdetail/509348.htm">Bellacor</a> ($698) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TUYFnKV1UWI/AAAAAAAABVg/4ggQWdzWHiw/s1600/5260772304_abd46b179a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TUYFnKV1UWI/AAAAAAAABVg/4ggQWdzWHiw/s640/5260772304_abd46b179a.jpg" width="630" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;image via <a href="http://www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?photoId=4754">Decorpad</a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TUYGNp6_TuI/AAAAAAAABVo/WT1p97ZnsrM/s1600/1206a4ed3f24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="634" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TUYGNp6_TuI/AAAAAAAABVo/WT1p97ZnsrM/s640/1206a4ed3f24.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;image via <a href="http://www.vogue.com.au/vogue+magazine/vogue+living/">Aussie Vogue Living</a> via <a href="http://cocokelley.blogspot.com/2010/12/found-gilded-branch-mirror.html">Coco + Klley</a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TUYGNyGTSuI/AAAAAAAABVs/LW41ebWBwA4/s1600/5260164597_c5a284d3d1_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TUYGNyGTSuI/AAAAAAAABVs/LW41ebWBwA4/s640/5260164597_c5a284d3d1_o.jpg" width="508" /></a></div><br />To start, I began by taking a walk in the woods and collecting sticks from the ground (it really helped that we&nbsp; had a windstorm come through the week before!) I gathered a small pile and got to work breaking the branches up into smaller, more manageable pieces.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TUYO-Il_NmI/AAAAAAAABV0/0578ZU09qFM/s1600/mirror.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TUYO-Il_NmI/AAAAAAAABV0/0578ZU09qFM/s400/mirror.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I used one of the medium sized mirrors from the <a href="http://www.hirondellerustique.com/2011/01/shopping-loot.html">pack of 5</a> that I got from Home Depot and placed the sticks around it until I was happy with the result.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TUYO_V_Pg4I/AAAAAAAABV8/Qkdx2cQEQjo/s1600/mirror_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TUYO_V_Pg4I/AAAAAAAABV8/Qkdx2cQEQjo/s400/mirror_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Then I broke out the hot glue gun and began gluing the sticks together in place, trying not to let too much glue glob up and show.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TUYO_9r2O2I/AAAAAAAABWA/UVtJrXDoUJQ/s1600/mirror_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TUYO_9r2O2I/AAAAAAAABWA/UVtJrXDoUJQ/s400/mirror_3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />By the time I was finished, I had a "frame" that could be held up. I flipped it over and added extra glue to the backsides of the sticks to reinforce them all. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TUYPAQ9s2mI/AAAAAAAABWE/wrsA5XDi-lY/s1600/mirror_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TUYPAQ9s2mI/AAAAAAAABWE/wrsA5XDi-lY/s400/mirror_4.jpg" width="371" /></a></div><br />Then it was time to paint the whole thing. I taped off the mirror...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TUYPAqJFBMI/AAAAAAAABWI/Yd8ZyEIhzgg/s1600/mirror_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TUYPAqJFBMI/AAAAAAAABWI/Yd8ZyEIhzgg/s400/mirror_5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />...and used Rustoleum's specialty metallic gold spray paint, thanks to <a href="http://brynalexandra.blogspot.com/2010/11/campaign-dresser-finally.html">Bryn Alexandra's</a> recommendation. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TUYO-wJYCjI/AAAAAAAABV4/euc7SwF152I/s1600/mirror_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TUYO-wJYCjI/AAAAAAAABV4/euc7SwF152I/s400/mirror_1.jpg" width="258" /></a></div><br />I gave the branches a coat on both sides and did two coats on the mirror, no primer needed. I was really happy with how it turned out, it really reminded me of metal. Because the branches that actually touch the mirror are a bit fragile, I decided to hang both pieces up separately. The mirror already had a hook on the back for hanging and after I got that up I used a nail to hang up the branch part and overlapped it on the mirror. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TUYPBCBuBPI/AAAAAAAABWM/eVTrHLF9TTc/s1600/mirror_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TUYPBCBuBPI/AAAAAAAABWM/eVTrHLF9TTc/s320/mirror_6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I was surprised by how quickly this project came together and in the end it cost me less than $20 ($15 for the 5 mirrors and $3-4 for the spray paint). I'm hoping to show an updated photo of the office with the mirror in it soon, once I finished up a few things!HirondelleRustiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279653864268494179noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3150986298331131051.post-29903748370338427462011-01-30T01:39:00.000-08:002011-01-30T01:43:27.935-08:00A Little UpdateI feel so bad for not posting in two weeks! I got a new job and I'm still adjusting to the new schedule while running my Etsy shop on the side as well. I'm really looking forward to having a little extra cash to tie up some loose ends on old projects and take on new ones as well. Speaking of new projects, I have one that I'll be sharing tomorrow!<br /><br />Something else I'd like to do is make some large scale artwork for one of the rooms in our apartment. I've posted about this painting in the past and I still find it so fascinating. It's wonderfully bold and dramatic! (bonus points if you can name the artist, I'd love to know more about this piece!)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TUUmb-BdF-I/AAAAAAAABVU/GDRVx7MSz-4/s1600/n72645239449875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TUUmb-BdF-I/AAAAAAAABVU/GDRVx7MSz-4/s640/n72645239449875.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Apparently, my boyfriend picked up on the moody vibe I had in mind and painted a little something for me as a present:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TUUpn3Vn08I/AAAAAAAABVY/oOrZALI6Qbg/s1600/WarmWoods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TUUpn3Vn08I/AAAAAAAABVY/oOrZALI6Qbg/s640/WarmWoods.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>&nbsp;I absolutely love it! The colors are stunning and I was completely floored by how much thought he put into it. It's framed and sitting on my dresser right now, but I think it would look so sharp blown up into large scale artwork. We'll just have to wait and see where things go!HirondelleRustiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279653864268494179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3150986298331131051.post-69359847721783448112011-01-15T22:20:00.000-08:002011-01-15T22:20:49.234-08:00Shopping LootRemember how I posted about the $250 in Visa gift cards I got for Christmas? Here's all the things I got for updating my bedroom, dining room and office area:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Store Bought Items:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">A <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20154096">white duvet cover</a> + 2 pillow cases from Ikea</div><div style="text-align: center;">Gold spray paint </div><div style="text-align: center;">Pumpkin Orange spray paint</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 tablecloths from Target<br />2 <a href="http://www.target.com/Accent-Lamp-Shade-Mashed-Potato/dp/B0040PV9SS/ref=sc_qi_detailbutton">lampshades</a> from Target</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TTJn5Z2UHFI/AAAAAAAABVA/HPOJ03GQDSo/s1600/315lHnQl-uL._AA260_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TTJn5Z2UHFI/AAAAAAAABVA/HPOJ03GQDSo/s1600/315lHnQl-uL._AA260_.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A <a href="http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=110653">bedskirt</a> from Bed Bath &amp; Beyond</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TTJo3784JTI/AAAAAAAABVE/CDcEQIBc8Ks/s1600/138385110653C.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TTJo3784JTI/AAAAAAAABVE/CDcEQIBc8Ks/s400/138385110653C.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Smaller things - sandpaper, glue, rit dye (Home Depot/Ace Hardware/Michaels)<br />A set of <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-202504221/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&amp;storeId=10051&amp;catalogId=10053">Martha Stewart mirrors</a> from Home Depot - I've got plans for these</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TTJpK6a7UmI/AAAAAAAABVI/SZ2dojJIlSw/s1600/b0acd036-bb84-4450-a2bd-ddeeb5ef994f_300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TTJpK6a7UmI/AAAAAAAABVI/SZ2dojJIlSw/s400/b0acd036-bb84-4450-a2bd-ddeeb5ef994f_300.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TTJnJtfTYzI/AAAAAAAABU8/q4sghnGI9Mk/s1600/things.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="529" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TTJnJtfTYzI/AAAAAAAABU8/q4sghnGI9Mk/s640/things.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Thrift Store Finds:</b><br />2 funky duvet covers (above)</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 pillows (above)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Chrome pillar candle holder</div><div style="text-align: center;">Chrome sea shell<br />Gold bird figurine<br />Red-Orange fabric</div><div style="text-align: center;">A mint julep cup</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TTKNfGtum6I/AAAAAAAABVQ/E0s8d2J3Kig/s1600/DSC_1617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TTKNfGtum6I/AAAAAAAABVQ/E0s8d2J3Kig/s640/DSC_1617.jpg" width="504" /><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And... a dining table!</div><br />The table was only $75 (marked down from $275) and has a leaf extension to make it 7.5 ft long. The sad part is it doesn't fit in our dining area, (and believe me, I tried) but how could I pass it up? I'll have a house someday and it's the perfect table for dinner parties. I plan on stripping and staining it a warm brown. It's over at my brother's place right now waiting for attention.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TTJp1gccE-I/AAAAAAAABVM/yjcyFA0DzI4/s1600/1230109515061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TTJp1gccE-I/AAAAAAAABVM/yjcyFA0DzI4/s640/1230109515061.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>All that and I only went $2 over my "budget" of $250. Not too shabby! Time to start some projects!HirondelleRustiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279653864268494179noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3150986298331131051.post-77194822471812897112011-01-09T14:51:00.000-08:002011-01-09T14:51:25.242-08:00Reupholstering a ChairSince I'm in the process of redoing my bedroom/office, I thought I'd share my process of reupholstering a chair. I was in the market for something pretty that could be used as an office chair when I happened to stumble upon this one for free - I found it sitting outside next to the trash bin at my old apartment. I was hesitant to take it in because it looked really dingy (there was also green fringe trim on the bottom) but after going past it several times throughout the day I finally caved.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TSokaqYuNUI/AAAAAAAABUA/N9stgaUNeBo/s1600/_SC_0095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TSokaqYuNUI/AAAAAAAABUA/N9stgaUNeBo/s640/_SC_0095.JPG" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I wanted something a bit more feminine for my office space. I had received a free can of Glidden paint in white and decided that was the color I was going to paint the wood since the original finish was badly scuffed, chipped and wearing away completely in spots. I removed the layer of green upholstery fabric to save for later, and that's when I discovered a much prettier fabric underneath (although it was really stained and gross)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TSokwKdQEdI/AAAAAAAABUE/XKjYZfq2Dz8/s1600/chair+fabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TSokwKdQEdI/AAAAAAAABUE/XKjYZfq2Dz8/s320/chair+fabric.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This fabric was nailed on with tiny handmade nails, similar to this:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TSoqeFSv70I/AAAAAAAABUI/GGFbSqt6BtI/s1600/33135_nml.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TSoqeFSv70I/AAAAAAAABUI/GGFbSqt6BtI/s200/33135_nml.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After removing what seemed like a million of them, I finally was down to the insides of the chair and that's when I realized it was full of coir and horse hair! Coir is a fiber that comes from the husk of a coconut shell (it's seen a lot today in doormats). The horse hair thing is what had me worried - what if this chair was old? I can't paint an antique white, I'd be burned at the stake! Well, after researching for several days, I couldn't find anything mentioning my chair was some super rare antique piece. There were a few similar ones that sold for $50-125 which is about what I'd end up spending on a new office chair anyways. With that in mind, I took a deep breath and started painting.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TSosDD2J_7I/AAAAAAAABUM/5C1eA-J4o1g/s1600/DSC_1454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TSosDD2J_7I/AAAAAAAABUM/5C1eA-J4o1g/s400/DSC_1454.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When all was said and done, I started in on upholstering it. I kept the coir and horse hair but added some new foam on top for more support. I used the green fabric as a template to trace the pattern onto my new linen fabric. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TSou7vFbaVI/AAAAAAAABUQ/_-6kZGlzpHc/s1600/DSC_0931_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TSou7vFbaVI/AAAAAAAABUQ/_-6kZGlzpHc/s640/DSC_0931_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TSou8l_zj7I/AAAAAAAABUU/NxhXYb8taeE/s1600/DSC_0934_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TSou8l_zj7I/AAAAAAAABUU/NxhXYb8taeE/s640/DSC_0934_1.jpg" width="458" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;I stapled it on using the same method I had used in art class to stretch canvases. Starting with a staple on one end, I moved to the opposite end and pulled the fabric tight to place another staple. I then went to the untouched sides and did the same thing so that by the time I was finished, I had a cross like this:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TSovLvckAZI/AAAAAAAABUY/9KoE52mCjKE/s1600/canvas1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TSovLvckAZI/AAAAAAAABUY/9KoE52mCjKE/s1600/canvas1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">{image via Marion Boddy-Evans - About.com}</span><cite><br /></cite></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">By continually switching sides to put in staples, this ensures that your fabric will be pulled as tight as possible resulting in a professional finished look. As you can see below, I was a little slack in a few places, resulting in some waves - eep! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TSoxXpH1HuI/AAAAAAAABUc/xFfXb0ncCyM/s1600/DSC_0162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TSoxXpH1HuI/AAAAAAAABUc/xFfXb0ncCyM/s640/DSC_0162.jpg" width="412" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The next step was to add something to cover up all those staples. I could have gone with <a href="http://www.warehousefabricsinc.com/gimp-braid.html">gimp</a>, which is a really affordable option, but I really liked the look of double welting. I purchased my double welt cord from Ebay and followed <a href="http://curbly.com/modhomeecteacher/posts/6185-how-to-make-double-welt-cord">this tutorial</a> from Curbly (I didn't switch out my sewing machine foot for a double welt foot or a zipper foot and still had success). With all my pieces cut out and ready, I glued them in place using hot glue. As I was gluing I was able to pull some of the fabric a little tighter to reduce the waves a little, but someday I may end up tearing the thing apart again to fix it completely.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TSo0Im4tZqI/AAAAAAAABUg/fQz4o5W_VBs/s1600/DSC_0160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TSo0Im4tZqI/AAAAAAAABUg/fQz4o5W_VBs/s400/DSC_0160.jpg" width="400" />&nbsp;</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TSo0JsTGpTI/AAAAAAAABUk/TudHNMnnzCk/s1600/DSC_0163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TSo0JsTGpTI/AAAAAAAABUk/TudHNMnnzCk/s400/DSC_0163.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TSo0KFTFydI/AAAAAAAABUo/oc6icGrbi1k/s1600/DSC_0164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="341" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TSo0KFTFydI/AAAAAAAABUo/oc6icGrbi1k/s400/DSC_0164.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">...and ta-da! The chair as it is right now. The bottom still seems a bit plain so I've been thinking of adding nail head trim. I think it would also be fun to add a toss pillow in <a href="http://www.pantone.com/pages/pantone/pantone.aspx?pg=20821&amp;ca=4">Pantone's 2011 Color of the Year</a> - Honeysuckle. What do you think?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TSo7Dqja0UI/AAAAAAAABUw/0lp6AL1pBos/s1600/DSC_0199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TSo7Dqja0UI/AAAAAAAABUw/0lp6AL1pBos/s400/DSC_0199.JPG" width="243" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TSo2gW-InDI/AAAAAAAABUs/EOCF3Ar7eb4/s1600/transformation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TSo2gW-InDI/AAAAAAAABUs/EOCF3Ar7eb4/s640/transformation.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>HirondelleRustiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279653864268494179noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3150986298331131051.post-11022983020701826832011-01-08T02:12:00.000-08:002011-01-08T02:12:49.043-08:00Creating a Stylish and Organized Home OfficeLike many other bloggers, I've caught the organization bug. Running a business from home requires that I have a space dedicated for working and unfortunately that space must share itself with my bedroom, a room that is 9.5 ft x 10.5 ft. Can you say yikes? Needless to say, I'd not only like to have my office space be clean, organized and functional, but (since I look at it a lot) stylish as well. While I'm off daydreaming about how to make that happen, here are a few of my favorite items one could use to create a stylish (and functional!) office space.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TSg19RdUQ_I/AAAAAAAABTc/g31_n8qvL0A/s1600/pCPWM-9328388v300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TSg19RdUQ_I/AAAAAAAABTc/g31_n8qvL0A/s400/pCPWM-9328388v300x300.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;{<a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11108343">Desk - Cost Plus World Market</a>}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TSg19sf20QI/AAAAAAAABTg/ZIc_jveRY0U/s1600/sequoia-console-table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TSg19sf20QI/AAAAAAAABTg/ZIc_jveRY0U/s400/sequoia-console-table.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://www.zgallerie.com/p-10419-sequoia-console-table.aspx">Console Table - ZGallerie</a>}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TSg3NLI-GAI/AAAAAAAABTk/668Qh9wOYKM/s1600/31QxS2d2vGL._AA260_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TSg3NLI-GAI/AAAAAAAABTk/668Qh9wOYKM/s320/31QxS2d2vGL._AA260_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;{<a href="http://www.target.com/Iron-Table-Lamp-Silver-24-75/dp/B003P6EVL0/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&amp;keywords=table%20lamp&amp;searchSize=90&amp;searchView=grid5&amp;searchNodeID=1038576%7C1287991011&amp;searchPage=1&amp;fromGsearch=true&amp;sr=1-15&amp;qid=1294481133&amp;rh=&amp;searchBinNameList=subjectbin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin&amp;searchRank=target104545&amp;frombrowse=0">Table Lamp - Target</a>}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TSg3Nd1VAdI/AAAAAAAABTo/0ot57Dw3UfA/s1600/41ncbd11%252BsL._AA260_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TSg3Nd1VAdI/AAAAAAAABTo/0ot57Dw3UfA/s400/41ncbd11%252BsL._AA260_.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;{<a href="http://www.target.com/Hammered-Metal-Vase-Small/dp/B0041TB0WS/ref=br_1_5?ie=UTF8&amp;node=1290318011&amp;searchSize=30&amp;searchView=grid5&amp;searchPage=2&amp;sr=1-5&amp;qid=1294350387&amp;rh=&amp;searchBinNameList=target_com_category-bin%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Cprice%2Cmaterial_type%2Cfinish_types-bin%2Clifestyle-bin%2Cnumber_of_pieces&amp;searchRank=pmrank&amp;frombrowse=1">Vase - Target</a>}</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TSg3Ni0QgqI/AAAAAAAABTs/wjZ44DsNw24/s1600/img34m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TSg3Ni0QgqI/AAAAAAAABTs/wjZ44DsNw24/s400/img34m.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;{<a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/masai-rug-r956/?pkey=cpattern-rugs-flooring">Masai Rug - West Elm</a>}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TSg3OMekx5I/AAAAAAAABTw/Jx_f4OdjYs4/s1600/img45m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TSg3OMekx5I/AAAAAAAABTw/Jx_f4OdjYs4/s400/img45m.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;{<a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/iznik-dhurrie-g220/?pkey=cpattern-rugs-flooring">Iznik Dhurrie Rug - West Elm</a>}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TSg3OWTphFI/AAAAAAAABT0/tXY33CFvWz8/s1600/magazine-tote-and-book-boxes-aquamarine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TSg3OWTphFI/AAAAAAAABT0/tXY33CFvWz8/s400/magazine-tote-and-book-boxes-aquamarine.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;{<a href="http://www.zgallerie.com/p-10235-magazine-tote-book-boxes-aquamarine.aspx">Magazine Tote/Book Boxes - ZGallerie</a>}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TSg3O-ATjJI/AAAAAAAABT4/CaDu7_1qLRI/s1600/sophia-sofa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TSg3O-ATjJI/AAAAAAAABT4/CaDu7_1qLRI/s400/sophia-sofa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;{<a href="http://www.zgallerie.com/p-10154-sophia-sofa.aspx">Sophia Sofa - ZGallerie</a>}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TSg3PBZHj6I/AAAAAAAABT8/T8-QH1RtR6o/s1600/stefan-pillow-natural-and-chocolate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U7pplv_ck5o/TSg3PBZHj6I/AAAAAAAABT8/T8-QH1RtR6o/s400/stefan-pillow-natural-and-chocolate.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://www.zgallerie.com/p-10277-stefan-pillow-20.aspx">Stefan Pillow - ZGallerie</a>}</div>HirondelleRustiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279653864268494179noreply@blogger.com0